For Smokey Robinson, A Quiet Storm was also a perfect one · Permanent Records · The A.V. Club Share Tweet Permanent Records is an ongoing closer look at the records that matter most. It begins with the sound of the wind. It’s a swirling sound, synthesized yet silken. Behind it comes a bass line—but not the kind that thumps or thunders. It lopes and flows, a lust-conducted pulse. In oozes a voice. “Soft and warm / A quiet storm,” sings Smokey Robinson, crooning like Cupid, the act of love itself given human form. “Quiet Storm”—the opening track of Robinson’s 1975 album A Quiet Storm—is the start of one of the strongest, most on-the-nose metaphors ever put to music. That strength, like all good strengths, seems deceptively weak. Robinson was already a legend by 1975, and the label he helped build, Motown, had become iconic. Riding high on the commercial triumph of rejuvenated veterans like Marvin Gaye and young guns such as The Jackson 5, Motown had been uprooted by founder Berry Gordy and relocated from Detroit to Los Angeles.

Motown’s empire had come to encompass not only popular music, but Hollywood and, shortly, Broadway. Robinson had no small part in that. As the leader of Motown’s first signed act—The Matadors, quickly changed to The Miracles—he became one of the label’s main songwriters and producers, and eventually the company’s vice president. No less, Robinson was one of Motown’s most consistent hit-makers; from 1960’s No. 2 hit single “Shop Around” to 1970’s chart-topper “The Tears Of A Clown,” Robinson never let his nurturing of his fellow Motown acts cut into his own eminence as the catalog’s crown prince. Source The Miracles broke up in 1972, leaving Robinson without a band. That didn’t seem to matter. Diana Ross had recently left The Supremes, and had hit the ground running. Two of The Temptations’ star singers, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin, had quit the group to start promising solo careers. If anyone was poised to make a turbulence-free transition from group leader to stand-alone star, it was the total, singing-songwriting-producing package that was Smokey Robinson.

Instead, stunningly, he announced his retirement from the stage. His first two solo albums, 1973’s Smokey and 1974’s Pure Smokey, aren’t bad, but they sound hesitantly made, and they failed to make an impact. Soul music was making a transition of its own in the mid-’70s. Disco had yet to hit its Saturday Night Fever zenith of cultural saturation, but it was on the rise. Already popular was soft soul—a smooth, sophisticated, sometimes jazz-accented form of R&B that did away with the gutsiness and oomph of the Stax Records ’60s sound as well as James Brown’s hard-funk backbone. Isaac Hayes, a former Stax songwriter and session man, went platinum by going orchestral. In Philadelphia, Thom Bell, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and others were penning and producing lush, simmering ballads for everyone from The Spinners to The O’Jays. Donny Hathaway—a total package in the same sense as Robinson—had already released four sumptuous albums in the early ’70s.

One of Robinson’s contemporaries at Motown, Marvin Gaye, had morphed beautifully from his clean-cut persona of the ’60s into the socially conscious, superhumanly sexual artist behind 1971’s What’s Going On and 1973’s Let’s Get It On. In this climate, Robinson should have ruled. Like a glass of champagne amid bottles of soda pop, he’d always stood out from the rest of the Motown stable in the ’60s. Even when The Miracles had made fun, silly dance songs like “Going To A Go-Go” and “Mickey’s Monkey,” Robinson felt as if he were straining toward something more rarified. With “Tears Of A Clown” and earlier satiny hits like 1965’s “Ooh Baby Baby” and “The Tracks Of My Tears,” he helped lay the foundation for ’70s soft soul—only he’d neglected to move into the high-rise that had risen above it. Then came A Quiet Storm. The wind that swirls through the opening song is just the tip of the tempest.

Where “Quiet Storm” sways with a jazzy elasticity, “The Agony And The Ecstasy” sounds relatively conventional, a more spacious update of the forlorn balladry Robinson mastered in the ’60s. Guitarist Marv Tarplin—the one member of The Miracles who stuck with Robinson after the group’s breakup—lends frictionless licks to the tale of extramarital heartache, which is accented by female backing vocals and Robinson’s own vowel-stretching delivery. At its heart, the song is full of tension. The affair he sings about, forbidden and burdened with guilt, establishes an economy of romance that only the kinky or cynical subscribe to: “You got to pay some agony for the ecstasy.” That sensual quid pro quo carried over into “Baby That’s Backatcha.” The closest A Quiet Storm comes to Marvin Gaye territory, the song taps into the suggestive parlance of Let’s Get It On while bookending the emotionally heavier vibe of “The Agony And The Ecstasy.” To its credit, “Baby That’s Backatcha” is concerned with one thing and one thing only: finding an orgasmic equilibrium in the bedroom.

“Baby, it’s tit for tat / I’m giving you this for that,” Robinson sings, his voice sultry and shaded with implication. A king of wordplay who deeply influenced a multitude of songwriters’ love for extended metaphors and double entendre—up to and including Elvis Costello’s—Robinson knows what he’s doing in every syllable of that line. The song also nudges the edge of disco—albeit disco’s slower, steamier, more heavy-lidded side. Source A Quiet Storm lets the thunder subside for “Wedding Song”—a marshmallow of a love jam written for the wedding of Jermaine Jackson, whose group, The Jackson 5, had faithfully covered The Miracles on its first three albums—and “Happy (Love Theme From Lady Sings The Blues)” a tune that’s far more melancholy than its name would imply. These two tracks comprise the album’s gooey candy center, but “Happy” leaves a salty aftertaste of tears. Bobbing on an atmospheric pulse, the song’s ostensible schmaltz is curdled by Robinson’s plaintive plea to a departing lover.

The titular happiness is a thing of the past; Robinson, in his passive-aggressive love-man persona, is trying to leverage his lady’s return by pouring on the waterworks. By that point, Robinson’s sob-centric sensitivity was well established, to the point of become a stereotype. That tone took on a fresher quality when stacked next to the preponderance of aggressive, hyper-masculine soul seducers in the ’70s, from Gaye and Hayes to Teddy Pendergrass and Barry White. Robinson didn’t hunt. He just laid out the honey. The sedative sweetness of “Wedding Song” and “Happy” doesn’t linger too long. It immediately gives way to “Love Letters” and “Coincidentally,” the album’s final shot of adrenaline to the heart. Of the two tracks, “Love Letters” is the standout, and it’s the nearest thing A Quiet Storm comes to a dissonant moment; with its squelching, sci-fi bass line and jerking changes, it feels like a dry run for the future-funk of the ’80s (not that Robinson was destined to go that route, either).

His voice snaps, synthesizers burp, and a note of nervous energy creeps into Robinson’s promise, “I sign myself to you, baby”—another example of his love for drawing out metaphors, and one that’s eerily reminiscent of a record-company executive talking about a contract. Then again, Robinson was a record-company executive. The fun sinks to a simmer on the album’s closer, “Coincidentally.” Funky yet laid-back, with a chunky Clavinet in the background better suited to a Stevie Wonder song, the track lopes along in a lubricated groove as Robinson’s voice coils around it like vapor. It would be an exaggeration to call A Quiet Storm even remotely edgy. But from the title on down, it’s clear Robinson relishes in contradictions. The album is practically a study in them: passion versus poise, shyness versus lust, stark funk versus lavish sophistication. But it all comes back to the storm itself.

The sound of the wind that opens “Quiet Storm” weaves its way through the entire album, an ambient hum that fills the dead space between songs and symbolizes Robinson’s feathery whisper and elemental endurance—not to mention the entire subgenre of soul, dubbed “quiet storm,” that sprang from it. Then again, that hum might not be the wind at all. It might be the sound of blood rushing through the body, warm and awake again for the first time in too long. Smokey Robinson - Biography - IMDb Smokey Robinson Jump to: Overview (3) | Mini Bio (1) | Spouse (2) | Trade Mark (1) | Trivia (15) Overview (3) 5' 10½" (1.79 m) Mini Bio (1) Multi-talented performer/writer/producer Smokey Robinson's career, and life, is inextricably tied up with Motown Records' founder Berry Gordy (his first two children are named Tamla, for the Gordy-owned label Smokey recorded for, and Berry, for Gordy himself).

He and Gordy have had a professional and personal relationship since the late 1950s, when Robinson went to work for Gordy's budding musical empire not only as a performer with his group, The Miracles , but also as a songwriter/producer. Robinson and The Miracles began turning out an almost unbroken string of hits in the early 1960s on Gordy's Tamla label (although they had minor hits on a few labels before they signed with Gordy). Robinson's high, warm tenor was perfect for the romantic ballads that he wrote for the group (one of the music industry's most prolific songwriters, Robinson was also such an imaginative one that Bob Dylan once called him "America's greatest living poet"), although they could also do hard, driving dance records (i.e., "Mickey's Monkey"). In addition to his writing/performing/producing chores for The Miracles , Robinson also turned out hit after hit for other Motown acts: Mary Wells ("My Guy"), The Temptations ("My Girl"), and others for The Marvelettes and Marvin Gaye .

He left The Miracles to go solo in 1972, and met with even more success, turning out hit record after hit record all through the 1970s and 1980s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. - IMDb Mini Biography By: frankfob2@yahoo.com Spouse (2) ( 7 November 1959 - 1987) (divorced) (2 children) Trade Mark (1) His incredibly smooth and feminine voice Trivia (15) Children, with his first wife Claudette Robinson , Tamla and Berry. Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He and his singing group, The Miracles , were voted the 32nd Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artists of all time by Rolling Stone. He was awarded the U.S. National Medal of Arts in 2002 from the National Endowment of the Arts. Received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Howard University (May 13, 2006).

Awarded Kennedy Center Honors in 2006, with Dolly Parton , Steven Spielberg , Zubin Mehta , and Andrew Lloyd Webber . One of the personalities mentioned in the song Genius of Love by Tom Tom Club. The others mentioned were James Brown , Bob Marley , 'Hamilton Bohannon', George Clinton , Bootsy Collins , Kurtis Blow and Lowell 'Sly' Dunbar (as Sly and Robbie) and Robbie Shakespeare (as Sly and Robbie). Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1990. He had his first recording as The Miracles in 1958. It was a follow up to a No. 1 tune "Get A Job". It was titled "Got A Job", on the legendary "End" label. Unfortunately, it did not have the same success as its predecessor. He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1500 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California. He and Aretha Franklin grew up together. Has known her since he was seven years old. His favorite movie is Back to the Future.

While known for being a perfectionist performer, he also insists that stagehands and other crew involved with live concerts are treated well. For example, Smokey's contracts stipulate that all crew members must be served a hot meal prior to the performance. Smokey Robinson — Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and photos at Last.fm 7soul William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B and soul singer and songwriter. Robinson is noted for being one of the primary figures associated with the Motown record label, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy. As both a member of Motown group The Miracles and a solo artist, Robinson recorded seventy Top 40 hits for Motown between 1959 and 1990, and also served as the company's Vice President from 1961 to 1988.

10 essential Smokey Robinson songs 10 essential Smokey Robinson songs The great Bob Dylan once referred to Smokey Robinson as "America's greatest living poet." Post to Facebook 10 essential Smokey Robinson songs The great Bob Dylan once referred to Smokey Robinson as "America's greatest living poet." Check out this story on azcentral.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the Conversation 10 essential Smokey Robinson songs Ed Masley , The Republic | azcentral.com 5:48 p.m. MT Oct. 26, 2016 Smokey Robinson poses with the lifetime achievement award in the press room at the BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday, June 28, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Photo) The great Bob Dylan once referred to Smokey Robinson as "America's greatest living poet." And Dylan would know, right? Here's a look at 10 essentials from the Hitsville poet laureate who did as much as anyone this side of Berry Gordy Jr.

to establish Motown Records as the Sound of Young America (including two he gave away). "Ain't It, Baby" (1961) Having spent eight weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's R&B chart with their breakthrough single, "Shop Around," the Miracles came up a little short on commercial appeal with "Ain't it, Baby." But artistically, it's solid gold, an open letter to the girl who doesn't seem to love young Smokey anymore. And this is based entirely on what he calls "the evil things you do." This should have been a cover on one of the Rolling Stones' first albums. Best line: "You even wrote yourself a love note and signed some man's name. Uh, then, you put it where I could find it. It's just a lowdown, dirty shame." "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962) This soulful ballad topped the R&B charts with good reason, famously covered the following the summer by the Beatles, whose version is even more tortured, thanks to the Robinson-worshiping efforts of a young John Lennon at his soulful best.

That's how it came to be included on "A Bit of Liverpool," a Supremes album timed to cash in on the British Invasion threatening to usurp Motown's hold on Young America. Best line: "I don't want you, but I need you. Don't wanna kiss you, but I need to." "My Girl" (1964) This may have been the best song Smokey ever gave away, a hopelessly devoted celebration of his special girl, as written in collaboration with another Miracle, Ronald "Ronnie" White. With David Ruffin's aching vocal in their corner, the Temptations topped the pop and R&B charts (staying longer on the R&B charts). The production helped, of course, from that classic guitar to the most euphoric orchestration Motown would produce that decade. Subsequent covers ranged from Otis Redding to the Rolling Stones, but the Temptations version remains the gold standard. Anyone who says they hate this song should be avoided at all costs. Best line: "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.

When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May." Things To Do app: Get the best in events, dining and travel right on your device "Ooo Baby Baby" (1965) The melody is gorgeous, Smokey's finest. And the harmonies, arranged by fellow Miracle Pete Moore (who took home a co-writing credit), only underscore the ache in Smokey's voice. He really does sound like he's crying as he takes responsibility for having done his baby baby wrong (while pointing out, in his defense, that she's made her mistakes as well). Surprisingly, this undisputed classic stalled at No. 16 on the pop charts, nine spots lower than the Linda Ronstadt version. Think on that a while, and who knows? Maybe you'll sound like you're crying, too. Best line: "I did you wrong. My heart went out to play. But in the game I love you.

What a price to pay." "The Tracks of My Tears" (1965) Written with Moore and fellow Miracle Marv Tarplin, "The Tracks of My Tears" was the Miracles' equally melancholy follow-up to "Ooo Baby Baby." And depressingly enough, it also stalled at No. 16 on the pop charts. Even Berry Gordy heard a masterpiece. And he's not easy. The lyrics are brilliant, the true confessions of a man who's still playing the life of the party in public while inside, his heart is breaking. And the way the orchestration accents "My smile is my makeup I wear since my breakup with you" is a stroke of pop genius. When Rolling Stone anointed this the 50th best song of all time, it quoted Pete Townshend revealing that when this was tearing up the U.K.

pop charts, he was so obsessed with the use of "substitute" in the line "She's just a substitute" that he "decided to celebrate the word itself with a song all its own," the 1966 hit "Substitute." "Best line: "Since you left me if you see me with another girl, seeming like I'm having fun. Although she may be cute, she's just a substitute because you're the permanent one." "Ain't That Peculiar" (1965) Co-written with Tarplin and White, "Ain't That Peculiar" was the second Smokey co-write Marvin Gaye would sell a million copies of and take to No. 1 on Billboard's R&B charts in a single year. Produced by Smokey, the arrangement offsets Marvin's tortured reading of his lyrics with an upbeat backing track driven by handclaps and female backing vocals. Best line: "I cried too much just like a child that done lost his toy. Maybe baby you think these tears I cry are tears of joy. A child can cry so much until you do everything they say.

But unlike a child my tears don't help me to get my way." MORE MUSIC: Get the Things to Do app | Top concerts this week | Latest Phoenix concert announcements "From Head to Toe" (1965) An unsung gem from "Going to a Go-Go," a 1965 release that included "The Tracks of My Tears," "Ooo Baby Baby" and a title track the Rolling Stones would take to No. 25, "From Head to Toe" is surprisingly upbeat fare for the Miracles, a carefree celebration of being so in love, you'd feel comfortable writing a lyric as corny as "Hey hey, sweet baby. Now, don't you know that I am yours from head to toe?" Best line: "I got two lips that long to kiss you and when they speak they say they wish you were mine." "Don't Think It's Me" (1967) In which Robinson blames the fact that he can't live without you on his lips, his eyes, his ears, his arms, his foolish heart but not the man himself while the arrangement does its best to tap into vibe of "Spanish Harlem" and the Drifters.

"Don't think it's me," he tells her, "I can do without you." Best line: "I can't help it if my ears are aching to hear you say you love me just once more. Oh, don't they know that if you do, your words will be untrue just like they were before." MORE AZCENTRAL ON SOCIAL: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest "I Second That Emotion" (1967) Their first big pop hit since changing the name of the group from the Miracles to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, "I Second That Emotion" peaked at No. 4, their biggest hit since "Shop Around" hit No. 2 in 1961. The groove is slinkier and more percussive than earlier hits, with upbeat horns that leave you wondering if Smokey pictured Otis Redding doing this one, too.

The lyrics find him turning down the offer of a one-night stand while telling her "but if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion, I second that emotion." Best line: "A taste of honey is worse than none at all." "The Tears of a Clown" (1967) The best use of the name Pagliacci in pop music history? I'd take that bet. Originally tucked away on the Miracles' 1967 album, "Make It Happen," "The Tears of a Clown" returned in 1970 to top the U.S. pop and soul charts after topping the U.K. charts that September. The music was written by Stevie Wonder and Motown producer Hank Cosby, who brought it to Robinson to see if he could come up with a lyric that would do the music justice, which he clearly did. Convinced the music sounded like a circus, he thought of the clowns in the Italian opera "Pagliacci." The lyrics may cover a lot of the same ground as "Tracks of My Tears," but "The Tears of a Clown" is its own kind of wonderful, from that loopy orchestration and bubbling bass line to the melancholy lyrical conceit.

Best line: "Just like Pagliacci did, I try to keep my sadness hid. Smiling in the public eye, but in my lonely room, I cry the tears of a clown ... when there's no one around." 1 CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN COMMENTEMAILMORE Read or Share this story: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles | Biography & History | AllMusic Smokey Robinson & the Miracles Biography by Joslyn Layne One of Motown's earliest and most enduring groups; released 16 Top 20 pop singles, with and without Smokey, from 1960 through 1976. google+ Artist Biography by Joslyn Layne Scoring over 40 hits in the R&B Top 40 charts, the Miracles started out as the Five Chimes in the mid-'50s while the members were still in high school. The Detroit vocal group consisted of William "Smokey" Robinson , Warren "Pete" Moore , Clarence "Humble" Dawson, Donald Wicker, and James "Rat" Grice .

Not too long after the group formed, Wicker and Grice left and were replaced by cousins Emerson "Sonny" Rogers and Bobby Rogers , who both sang tenor, and baritonist Ronnie White was in Dawson's place. The vocal quintet then changed their name to the Matadors, and in 1956 Claudette Rogers joined the band after her brother Sonny Rogers was drafted. The Matadors auditioned for Jackie Wilson 's manager, Nat Tarnapol, in 1956. Although Tarnapol wasn't interested, finding the group too similar to the Platters , Jackie Wilson 's songwriter Berry Gordy Jr. was, and he soon began producing the band, who now went by the name the Miracles. Gordy produced their first single, "Get a Job," which was issued by the N.Y. label End Records in 1958. After one more release on this label, the Miracles recorded their first song for Gordy 's new Motown/Tamla label, 1959's "Bad Girl" (which was issued nationally on the Chess label).

Next came the first hit for both the group and the label, 1960's "Shop Around," which reached number one on the R&B charts and number two pop. The next song by the Miracles to hit the number one R&B spot and reach the pop Top Ten came two years later with "You've Really Got a Hold on Me." Smokey and Claudette got married in 1963, and she retired from the group a year later. The band's last big hit before they changed their name from the Miracles was "Going to a Go-Go" (1966), which climbed into the Top Five on the R&B charts, and the pop Top 20. Later that year, "I'm the One You Need" reached the Top 20. After this, the group's name changed to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles and they scored two more number one songs: "I Second That Emotion" (1967) and "The Tears of a Clown" (1970). Smokey left the group to pursue a solo career in 1972 and 20-year-old Billy Griffin was brought in to replace the lead singer.

Once again the Miracles, the band scored several more hits, including "Do It Baby" and "Don't Cha Love It," which both reached the R&B Top Ten. The Miracles experienced a big success in early 1976 with "Love Machine (Part 1)," which reached number one on the pop charts. The multi-million selling single came off of their second album without Smokey , 1975's City of Angels , and stayed on the charts for over six months, making it the longest-running hit the band ever had. Their final album on the Motown label, The Power of Music , followed. After this, the Miracles added a new member, Billy Griffin 's brother Don, and the band switched over to Columbia Records. Their first CBS release was Love Crazy (1977), which contained a single, "Spy for the Brotherhood," that was pulled off the record after complaints from the FBI. The group's last charting single, "Mean Machine," made the R&B Top 100 in 1978. Billy Griffin pursued a solo career, and Warren "Pete" Moore became a record producer in Detroit.

In the late '80s, Bobby Rogers started the New Miracles, and in 1990 the Miracles (including Billy Griffin and Claudette Robinson ) reunited to re-record "Love Machine" for the U.K. Motorcity label. Ronnie White died from leukemia in 1995 and Griffin died in 2013 from diabetes complications. Smokey Robinson | New Music And Songs | Smokey Robinson About Smokey Robinson Berry Gordy founded Motown Records, but one could argue that Smokey Robinson was the man who first pushed America's most iconic soul music label toward greatness. As the leader of the Miracles, Robinson was one of the very first artists signed to the fledgling label in 1959, and while he racked up many hits for it with the Miracles and as a solo act, Robinson was also an invaluable behind-the-scenes talent who wrote songs, produced records, scouted and groomed talent, and served as a vice-president at Motown from 1961 to 1988.

Robinson is one of the most iconic figures in American R&B; his work helped defined pop-oriented soul, his lush, romantic R&B ballads literally gave quiet storm its name, and no less an authority than Bob Dylan has called Robinson "America's greatest living poet." William Robinson, Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 19, 1940. He grew up in Detroit's Brewster housing project, and picked up the nickname "Smokey Joe" from his Uncle Claude, which quickly stuck. Robinson first developed an interest in music by investigating his mother's record collection, which included classic sides by Sarah Vaughan, Billy Eckstine, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker. Robinson's mother died when he was ten, and since his father was frequently on the road making his living as a truck driver, young Smokey was looked after by his older sister Geraldine, and in his early teens he began singing, performing in informal doo wop groups with his friends. In 1955, Robinson assembled a vocal group called the Five Chimes, which featured his schoolmates Clarence Dawson, James Grice, Pete Moore, and Ronald White.

In 1956, the group adopted a new name, the Matadors after Dawson left and Emerson Rogers took his place, and a year later, Rogers and James Grice left the lineup, and Claudette Rogers and Bobby Rogers (respectively Emerson Rogers' sister and cousin) stepped in. With their new co-ed lineup, the name the Matadors was considered a poor fit, and they began calling themselves the Miracles. A guitarist, Marv Tarplin, joined the act in 1958, and the Miracles began making a name for themselves on Detroit's R&B scene. In 1958, Robinson met Berry Gordy, a Detroit-based songwriter who had penned several hits for Jackie Wilson and was looking to make a name for himself in the music business. Gordy was impressed with the Miracles and Robinson's talents as a songwriter; he helped the band land a deal with End Records, and the Miracles released their first single, "Got a Job" (an answer song to the Silhouettes' hit "Get a Job") later that year. While the single sold well in Detroit, it didn't make much noise nationally, and follow-ups on End and Chess fared no better.

Robinson believed he and Gordy could do better themselves, and he urged Gordy to follow through on his idea of forming his own label. The Miracles became the first act signed to Gordy's new record company, Motown, and in 1960, their song "Shop Around," written by Robinson, was the first Motown single to become a nationwide hit. Through the '60s, the Miracles were a frequent presence on the pop and R&B charts, scoring hits with such songs as "Tracks of My Tears," "Mickey's Monkey," "You've Really Got a Hold On Me," "Going to a Go-Go," "Ooo Baby Baby," and many more. As Robinson became recognized as the creative force behind the group, their name was changed to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1966.

Robinson also shared his talents with many other Motown acts; he wrote "My Guy" and "The One Who Really Loves You" for Mary Wells, "My Girl," "Get Ready," and "The Way You Do the Things You Do" for the Temptations, "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I'll Be Doggone" for Marvin Gaye, and "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game" for the Marvelettes, among may others. As a vice president at Motown, Robinson was also a key part of the label's management and production team, and helped guide the company into being one of the most successful independent American record labels of all time. Robinson fell in love with Claudette Rogers not long after she joined the Miracles, and they were married in 1959. By 1969, Robinson was growing tired of dividing his time between his family, Motown, and the Miracles, and he decided to retire from the group so he could spend more time at home and less time on the road.

He postponed his departure when "Tears of a Clown" (recorded in 1966) unexpectedly became a major hit in 1970, but a year later, he launched a "farewell tour" with the Miracles, though the group would continue without him (and Robinson would write one of their latter-day hits, "Floy Joy"). After a two-year layoff, Robinson returned to the recording studio with his first solo album, 1973's Smokey. The album found Robinson focusing on midtempo romantic numbers as well as more mature and personal themes, which would carry over to his second solo effort, 1974's Pure Smokey. Robinson scored a pair of major R&B hits with 1975's A Quiet Storm, the title tune and "Baby, That's Backatcha," and the former tune would give a name to the sort of polished, romantic R&B that was becoming Robinson's stock in trade.

Robinson was no longer as consistent a hitmaker as he once was, but he continued to make his presence known on the charts with tunes such as "Cruisin'" (from 1979's Where There's Smoke) and "Being with You" (from the 1981 album of the same name). 1987 was a memorable year for Robinson -- the album One Heartbeat would score a massive hit for him with the song "Just to See Her," which also earned him a Grammy, and he was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (though the rest of the Miracles were not, much to his consternation). But this came near the end of an important era for Robinson -- in 1988, Motown was sold to MCA, and Robinson stepped down as vice-president. In 1990, he recorded a final album for Motown, Love Smokey (Robinson received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy the same year), and he signed with SBK Records for 1992's Double Good Everything.

The end of Motown came during a turbulent period for Robinson -- in the mid-'80s, he developed a serious addiction to cocaine, and his marriage to Claudette ended in divorce in 1986. While Robinson would kick drugs shortly after the end of his marriage, following the commercial disappointment of Double Good Everything, he wouldn't record again until 1999, when he recorded Intimate for MCA's revived Motown label. In 2004, Robinson (who cited a spiritual reawakening as a key factor in giving up drugs) recorded a contemporary gospel album, Food for the Spirit, and a collection of standards, Timeless Love, followed in 2006. Robinson returned to the smooth soul sounds of his '70s and ‘80s solo work with 2009's Time Flies When You're Having Fun, released on his own label, Robso Records; several tracks from this album were matched with remakes of Robinson's Motown hits for the collection Now & Then.

In 2014, he released a Verve album, Smokey & Friends, for which he remade 11 of his most popular compositions with a roster of duet partners that included Elton John, James Taylor, Mary J. Blige, and Jessie J. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi Smokey Robinson | Biography & History | AllMusic google+ Artist Biography by Mark Deming Berry Gordy founded Motown Records, but one could argue that Smokey Robinson was the man who first pushed America's most iconic soul music label toward greatness. As the leader of the Miracles , Robinson was one of the very first artists signed to the fledgling label in 1959, and while he racked up many hits for it with the Miracles and as a solo act, Robinson was also an invaluable behind-the-scenes talent who wrote songs, produced records, scouted and groomed talent, and served as a vice president at Motown from 1961 to 1988.

Robinson is one of the most iconic figures in American R&B; his work helped defined pop-oriented soul, his lush, romantic R&B ballads literally gave quiet storm its name, and no less an authority than Bob Dylan has called Robinson "America's greatest living poet." William Robinson, Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 19, 1940. He grew up in Detroit's Brewster housing project, and picked up the nickname "Smokey Joe" from his Uncle Claude, which quickly stuck. Robinson first developed an interest in music by investigating his mother's record collection, which included classic sides by Sarah Vaughan , Billy Eckstine , Muddy Waters , and John Lee Hooker . Robinson 's mother died when he was ten, and since his father was frequently on the road making his living as a truck driver, young Smokey was looked after by his older sister Geraldine, and in his early teens he began singing, performing in informal doo wop groups with his friends. In 1955, Robinson assembled a vocal group called the Five Chimes , which featured his schoolmates Clarence Dawson , James Grice , Pete Moore, and Ronald White .

In 1956, the group adopted a new name, the Matadors, after Dawson left and Emerson Rogers took his place, and a year later, Rogers and James Grice left the lineup, and Claudette Rogers and Bobby Rogers (respectively Emerson Rogers ' sister and cousin) stepped in. With their new co-ed lineup, the name the Matadors was considered a poor fit, and they began calling themselves the Miracles . A guitarist, Marv Tarplin , joined the act in 1958, and the Miracles began making a name for themselves on Detroit's R&B scene. In 1958, Robinson met Berry Gordy , a Detroit-based songwriter who had penned several hits for Jackie Wilson and was looking to make a name for himself in the music business. Gordy was impressed with the Miracles and Robinson 's talents as a songwriter; he helped the band land a deal with End Records, and the Miracles released their first single, "Got a Job" (an answer song to the Silhouettes ' hit "Get a Job") later that year. While the single sold well in Detroit, it didn't make much noise nationally, and follow-ups on End and Chess fared no better.

Robinson believed he and Gordy could do better themselves, and he urged Gordy to follow through on his idea of forming his own label. The Miracles became the first act signed to Gordy 's new record company, Motown, and in 1960, their song "Shop Around," written by Robinson , was the first Motown single to become a nationwide hit. Through the '60s, the Miracles were a frequent presence on the pop and R&B charts, scoring hits with such songs as "Tracks of My Tears," "Mickey's Monkey," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "Going to a Go-Go," "Ooo Baby Baby," and many more. As Robinson became recognized as the creative force behind the group, their name was changed to Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1966.

Robinson also shared his talents with many other Motown acts; he wrote "My Guy" and "The One Who Really Loves You" for Mary Wells , "My Girl," "Get Ready," and "The Way You Do the Things You Do" for the Temptations , "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I'll Be Doggone" for Marvin Gaye , and "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game" for the Marvelettes , among many others. As a vice president at Motown, Robinson was also a key part of the label's management and production team, and helped guide the company into being one of the most successful independent American record labels of all time. Robinson fell in love with Claudette Rogers not long after she joined the Miracles , and they were married in 1959. By 1969, Robinson was growing tired of dividing his time between his family, Motown, and the Miracles , and he decided to retire from the group so he could spend more time at home and less time on the road.

He postponed his departure when "Tears of a Clown" (recorded in 1966) unexpectedly became a major hit in 1970, but a year later, he launched a "farewell tour" with the Miracles , though the group would continue without him (and Robinson would write one of their latter-day hits, "Floy Joy"). After a two-year layoff, Robinson returned to the recording studio with his first solo album, 1973's Smokey . The album found Robinson focusing on midtempo romantic numbers as well as more mature and personal themes, which would carry over to his second solo effort, 1974's Pure Smokey . Robinson scored a pair of major R&B hits with 1975's A Quiet Storm , the title tune and "Baby, That's Backatcha," and the former tune would give a name to the sort of polished, romantic R&B that was becoming Robinson 's stock in trade.

Robinson was no longer as consistent a hitmaker as he once was, but he continued to make his presence known on the charts with tunes such as "Cruisin'" (from 1979's Where There's Smoke ) and "Being with You" (from the 1981 album of the same name). The year 1987 was a memorable one for Robinson -- the album One Heartbeat would score a massive hit for him with the song "Just to See Her," which also earned him a Grammy, and he was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (though the rest of the Miracles were not, much to his consternation). But this came near the end of an important era for Robinson -- in 1988, Motown was sold to MCA, and Robinson stepped down as vice president. In 1990, he recorded a final album for Motown, Love Smokey ( Robinson received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy the same year), and he signed with SBK Records for 1992's Double Good Everything .

The end of Motown came during a turbulent period for Robinson -- in the mid-'80s, he developed a serious addiction to cocaine, and his marriage to Claudette ended in divorce in 1986. While Robinson would kick drugs shortly after the end of his marriage, following the commercial disappointment of Double Good Everything , he wouldn't record again until 1999, when he recorded Intimate for MCA's revived Motown label. In 2004, Robinson (who cited a spiritual reawakening as a key factor in giving up drugs) recorded a contemporary gospel album, Food for the Spirit , and a collection of standards, Timeless Love , followed in 2006. Robinson returned to the smooth soul sounds of his '70s and '80s solo work with 2009's Time Flies When You're Having Fun , released on his own label, Robso Records; several tracks from this album were matched with remakes of Robinson 's Motown hits for the collection Now & Then .

In 2014, he released a Verve album, Smokey & Friends , for which he remade 11 of his most popular compositions with a roster of duet partners that included Elton John , James Taylor , Mary J. Blige , and Jessie J . Claudette Robinson | About Claudette Robinson About Claudette Robinson About Claudette Robinson “I’ve got sunshine….” Claudette Rogers Robinson is an original member of The Miracles and former wife of lead singer Smokey Robinson. The first successful group act for Berry Gordy ‘s Motown Record Corporation , their single “ Shop Around ” was Motown’s first million-selling hit record, and the group went on to become one of the label’s signature acts. “My Girl” was written and produced by The Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Ronald White (most notably performed by The Temptations) in dedication to Claudette. First group with Motown (The Miracles) First female artist ever signed to a Motown-affiliated record label (Tamla) First Lady of Motown… History Claudette’s brother Emerson “Sonny” Rogers was an original member of the group, which was originally called The Matadors before 1957.

At Smokey’s request, Claudette Rogers took her brother’s place after he was drafted into the U.S. Army. “The name ‘The Matadors’ did not suit a group with a female singer, so several names were placed in a hat and I pulled out ‘The Miracles,’” quotes Claudette. The group was soon thrust into the show business spotlight after Motown founder Berry Gordy discovered them and released Motown’s first million-selling record, “Shop Around.” And as they say, “the rest is history” … “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “The Tears of a Clown,” “Going to a Go-Go” and “I Second That Emotion” are notable titles in a string of hits from The Miracles. Of all the R&B vocal groups formed in Detroit, Michigan, USA, in the mid-50s, the Miracles proved to be the most successful.

First Family of Motown The Robinsons have two children, both named in honor of Motown: Berry William Borope Robinson was named after his godfather, Berry Gordy with his middle name in honor of fellow Miracles group mates Bobby ( Rogers ), Ronnie (White) and Pete ( Moore ), and Tamla Claudette Robinson was named after Motown’s original record label, Tamla Records. Author and Philanthropist Claudette is currently at work writing her autobiography, a book of her memoirs and life with The Miracles. Robinson is devoted to her work as President/CEO of First Lady Miracle Publishing and working with groups dedicated to helping young people (her “favorite people”). She also is a board member of the national Rhythm & Blues Foundation and the HAL Awards. Her cousin Bobby Rogers (February 19, 1940 – March 3, 2013), original member of The Miracles, toured with the current incarnation of the group throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, until 2010. Claudette still performs and makes selected appearances with The Miracles.

Honorary Achievements Most recently, Claudette and the original members of The Miracles were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009. It was also recently announced that Claudette Robinson will be automatically and retroactively inducted with the rest of The Miracles into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson – by Smokey himself – on April 14, 2012. A devoted mother and grandmother of three, Claudette Robinson remains a Christian woman of strength who is an inspiration to family, friends and fans alike.

“There’s so much in life to live for – I think I can probably do it all, or at least give it a try.” Notable Awards and Recognition •Berry Gordy’s Motown Record Corporation’s signature act; their first Group, and their first million selling act was The Miracles •“Without The Miracles there would be no Motown,” quoted Berry Gordy, 3/20/2009 •“Without The Miracles there would be no Stevie Wonder,” quoted Stevie Wonder, 3/20/2009 •Gold & Platinum Record (Single & Album) Awards (Sales of more than 500,000 or 1,000,000 units) •Over 40 Million records sold worldwide •Twenty six of The Miracles single releases reached the Top Ten Billboard R&B Charts •Four of The Miracles songs reached #1 on Billboard R&B Charts •Sixteen releases of The Miracles’ recordings reached Billboard’s Hot 100 List with 7 Top Tens •Four time inductees Grammy Hall of Fame •Doo-Wop Hall of Fame Inductees •Triple induction Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Best”

 song List •Double recipient of the prestigious “Heroes and Legends” Award.

•Rhythm & Blues Pioneer Award

Question: What is or was the name of Smokey Robinson's backing group
Answer: The Miracles